(September 16, 2003) - The new Sun Java Enterprise System is "serious software made simple - simplified product, simplified operation and simplified price," said Jonathan Schwartz, Sun's executive vice president, Software. Priced at $100 per employee per year (in the U.S.), including an unlimited right to use for all Intranet and Internet deployments, the Java Enterprise System delivers a complete system of standards-based software integrated as one entity. "Today's announcement puts IBM, Microsoft and others on the defensive and firmly establishes Sun as the low-cost provider offering customers simplicity, predictability and affordability," said Schwartz.

"Sun deserves credit for taking the software integration bull by the horns," said Dwight Davis, vice president and practice director, Summit Strategies. "We expect that the Java Enterprise System's release cycle and licensing model could put Sun's competitors on the defensive, and force them to make some moves to adopt at least some aspects of the Java Enterprise System model."

The Java Enterprise System seamlessly integrates enterprise network components at the heart of Web services, including network identity; portal; communication and collaboration; security; and Web, application and availability services. Key to the new system is a Web services platform ready for enterprise class deployment now.

The first release of the Java Enterprise System delivers new features including: a common network identity infrastructure, single sign-on for all services, common installation, and interoperability enhancements with IBM, BEA, and Microsoft products. Sun's consulting, training and support services expertise are included in the single, economical license fee.

Sun also announced Java Studio Enterprise, a comprehensive, cost-effective, unified development system that integrates development tools, services, and support for building and testing world-class applications for the Java Enterprise System. Targeted at Java Enterprise System developers, Java Studio Enterprise will support Solaris, Solaris x86, Linux, and Windows 2000, and is the only developer environment that includes full access and support from the Sun Developer Network and associated developer resources from Sun. The Java Studio Enterprise offering is priced at $5 per employee when ordered as a companion to the Java Enterprise System.

Over 150 technology leaders have committed to building and distributing Java Enterprise System-based products and solutions. Partners include BEA, Computer Associates, Context Media, FatWire, Kabira, M7, Manugistics, Mercury Interactive, SeeBeyond, SnapBridge, Sybase, Tibco, Vignette, Vitria and webMethods.

The Java Enterprise System is scheduled to ship by end of 2003 and is available directly through Sun and Sun iForceSM partners. Free evaluation for 90 days is available for the Java Enterprise System or any of its component products.